-One Hundred And Twenty- Grace To Our Enemies

Grace to Our Enemies

Today’s Reading: Mark 15:16-20

Focal Verse: Luke 23:34a

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

We have had children in these days that have taken guns to school to retaliate against those who have bullied them.  We have adults that have taken guns to the workplace and killed people for what they have perceived is unfair treatment.  Ex-husbands kill ex-wives. Rival gangs retaliate with death.
Jesus had every right to retaliate against those who were abusing and mocking Him.  He could have called for their immediate destruction.  But He didn’t.  Instead, He prayed for them.  Even on the cross, the others being crucified reviled Him (Matthew 15:32).  Yet He saved the one who repented (Luke 23:43).
In this world, there is, and will be, mistreatment, mocking, abuse, etc.  Jesus has set the example for what our response is to be.  He said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Before we accepted Christ, we too were God’s enemies (Colossians 1:21).  He gave us grace.  So should we give our enemies grace.

Meditate on Matthew 5:44 (above).  Is this your attitude towards your enemies?  If not, ask God to make your attitude more like His.